“We believe that every child is born with the ability to love food,” said Dr. Bonnie Feola. A pediatrician and certified chef, she recognized a gap in how we talk about feeding children. She is the founder of Nibbles and Sprouts, a pediatric culinary medicine practice that she grew in the Master of Business Creation program.
“After selling my pediatric practice, I had time to reflect on what I had to offer families,” she said. “I kept coming back to the kitchen table. Parents are frustrated, overwhelmed, or feeling judged when it comes to feeding their children. Food is so important, food is fuel, but it’s so much more — it’s connection, joy, love, and confidence.”
She earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her pediatric internship and residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Later, Dr. Bonnie earned certification in culinary medicine coaching and trained to become a chef.
With her rare combination of medical and culinary expertise, Dr. Bonnie created Nibbles and Sprouts.
“We guide food-curious parents who want more than a quick fix for picky eating,” said Dr. Bonnie. At the heart of Nibbles and Sprouts is “taste literacy,” the foundational skillset that helps children grow into confident, curious eaters.
“If you think about how you teach a child to read, you start with the ABCs, the letters get put into words, the words get put into sentences, the sentences get put into stories, and then you have comprehension. Teaching a child to appreciate, enjoy, and feel confident around food is how we build the foundation of food literacy.” Dr. Bonnie said.
These insights are already shifting the conversation around feeding. Dr. Bonnie said that the most meaningful part of starting this company has been when a parent tells her, “You made me feel like I wasn’t doing it all wrong.” That, she explained, is what this work is truly about: helping parents feel seen, capable, and hopeful again. Through Nibbles and Sprouts, Dr. Bonnie is changing how families approach feeding, one curious eater at a time.
More articles like this in ‘Student Innovation @ the U!’
Find this article and a lot more in the 2026 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.
